FOXBORO — Patriots veteran safety Adrian Phillips is not slowing down the Marte Mapu hype train.

Mapu, the Patriots’ linebacker/safety hybrid, had a big day of practice Sunday, breaking up passes from backup quarterback Bailey Zappe intended for tight ends Matt Sokol and Hunter Henry.

Mapu has yet to shed his red non-contact jersey — so he’s not cleared for action — but still found a way to stay involved in Thursday’s preseason game. The 2023 third-round pick dressed for the game but stood next to linebackers coach/play-caller Steve Belichick with a clipboard in hand for the entirety of the contest.

Head coach Bill Belichick downplayed the role after the game.

“Hear the call and follow the game,” Belichick said. “Somebody’s got to do it, so we let him do it.

“Player that’s not going to play in the game, that’s a way to keep them engaged and involved,” he added.

Phillips, who served a similar role earlier in his career, didn’t lessen it, however.

“I actually used to be the signal caller earlier in my career, like if I didn’t dress,” Phillips said.

“But as far as charting plays and stuff like that, I did that as well, and I think that’s just a testament to a guy being able to handle all of that mentally and actually wanting to learn, so it’s just cool to see.”

Phillips said there’s a lot of pressure that comes along with the role, which he referred to as a “combination of things” that he didn’t want to get “too in-depth” about.”

“It’s tough, because if you get it wrong, then they’re on you,” Phillips said. “You’ve got to make sure you get everything right and you make sure that you’re by the (defensive coordinator) the whole time. Because if you mess it up, you pretty much mess up the whole play. A lot of stuff is riding on you, and if you get it wrong, then it’s going to be a long day the next day.”

Mapu came to the Patriots with a pectoral injury that’s still limiting his full participation.